Kalmus Family Claims Rare AJAX Record

The Kalmus family has claimed a unique AJAX record, becoming the first family in the history of the club to have four siblings take to the field for the Jackas.

Last weekend’s round 17 matchup against Parkdale saw Mark ‘Choco’ Williams hand Sam Kalmus, the youngest of the four Kalmus brothers, his first game for the seniors.

Kalmus, known around the club simply as ‘SK’, proved to be a ball magnet as he tallied an impressive 14 kicks and 4 handballs despite the volatile weather conditions.

SK, at just 20 years old, joins his brothers Ben (30), Josh (28) and Jake (24) as first team AJAX players.

Proud father, committee member and all-round club legend Mark Kalmus is himself a former player, having been a part of AJAX’s 1979 premiership winning team.

Speaking to AJAX Media, Mark said “Its a very humbling but proud feeling. I never pushed the boys into footy or AJAX but as they got into their late teens they showed more interest in the club and learned about my experiences. Barry Markoff originally got me to the club, and our families were and still are very close friends. I think Barry’s natural enthusiasm and love for the club rubbed off on the boys.”

Asked what the AJAX footy club meant to him, Mark responded “There is no better feeling than getting together after a win, putting your arms around each other and belting out the club song. You never lose the bond with the club and all the people that have been and will continue to be involved, whether they be supporters, players, support staff or coaches.”

AJAX captain Nick Lewis paid tribute to the family, praising the Kalmus’s for their loyalty and passion over multiple decades.

“I’ve been privileged enough to play with all four Kalmus boys, they’re a family that has been extremely influential to the footy club over the last decade. All four boys are different in skill level and size but they all come with a big heart and strong desire to compete and contest.”

Lewis added, “A special shout-out to Mark who was from all reports, a gun player himself. Now he is on the committee and most weeks can be seen goal umpiring the Reserves game, even when none of his sons are playing.”